Black Sticks squads named

The New Zealand men's and women's hockey squads have been named following the conclusion of the recent National League.

Anita Punt and Ella Gunson Photo: PHOTOSPORT

There are two debutants in the Black Sticks men's squad, 19-year-old Midlands midfielder Nic Woods and Canterbury goalkeeper George Enersen, while the 274-Test veteran midfielder Ryan Archibald has been included in the development squad.

Enersen comes into the squad in place of Hamish McGregor who made himself unavailable for selection due to personal circumstances.

Injured striker Nick Wilson remains in the squad and is hoped to be fit to play soon as he continues to rehabilitate from a serious knee injury.

The 274-Test veteran Ryan Archibald has only been included in the development squad, while a leadership group will be in effect over the next six months before a new captain is named to replace retired skipper Dean Couzins.

Northland midfielder/defender Ella Gunson returns to the main women's group, which has a fresh make-up following the retirements of striker Krystal Forgesson and goalkeeper Bianca Russell.

Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor are also notable omissions with both veterans opting to take some time away from international hockey.

And while there are no new caps there, two debutants have been named for the home Test series against USA this month.

Midlands midfielder/striker Shiloh Gloyn and North Harbour defender Kathryn Henry come in, with newly-named co-captains Anita Punt and Sam Charlton, along with Gemma Flynn, the only players with more than 100 caps in the relatively inexperienced squad for the USA matches.

There's also a week of hockey for Wellington and the Kapiti Coast in November, with the Black Sticks men hosting Japan for four Tests and the women playing three games against Australia.